Platen 2381066 200996998 2008-03-26T05:36:16Z 67.87.0.211 {{other}} {{wiktionary}} A '''platen''' (or '''platten''') is typically a flat [[metal]] (or earlier, [[wood]]en) plate pressed against a medium (such as [[paper]]) to cause an impression in [[letterpress]] printing. Platen may also refer to a [[typewriter]] roller which friction-feeds paper into position below the [[typebar]]s or print head. ==Other applications== ===Office equipment=== In [[Photocopying|office copiers]] and [[Image scanner|scanners]], the platen is a flat [[glass]] surface on which operators place papers or books for scanning. The platen is also called the flatbed. Platens are also used in some printers, such as the [[Dot-matrix]] printer. ===Manufacturing and research=== In manufacturing, a platen is a flat plate of a press utilized in [[laminate]], [[plastic]] and forest product industries . A platen is typically heated with oil, water, steam or electricity and is used in the production of furniture, tires, [[gasket]]s, particle board, composite heaters and [[plywood]]. In high frequency [[welding]] products, platens are used to put lines on [[PVC]] binders and folders down the spine lines. In metal forming processes, a platen is the component that houses the [[mold]] for [[forging]] the required shape. The platen tends to be the heaviest and strongest part of the press due to the massive forces that it has to withstand. A platen for a 5000 ton press can weigh anything up to 350 tons.{{Fact|date=February 2008}} Platens are utilized in impact testing in research; a [[specimen]] is crushed between platens. The platen also refers to the fixed part of a linear motor {{tool-stub}} [[Category:printing]]